What I would do is make an animated material and then render a sequence...just rename the fabric-textures accordingly and you can load them as a sequence into a Bitmap Map.
delete your 3dsmax.ini file (or rename the extension to something clever, like .bak, .old, .wtf, .gay, .etc). that contains all your preferences and non-default settings.
Do you use MJPolyTools? If so, try renaming the maya folder in MyDocs to maya_old or something and start up Maya again. See if you get the same shearing.
You might try http://www.xnview.com/, seems to support most image formats. TF might be a rename of another format... is it coming from another app besides SeaDogs?
The first plant I saved onto my computer was named "ctenoimbricata_spinosa_by_ntamura-d54ari1", but after going back to check, it was renamed to "9jFB8". Do the other plants have scientific names?
Ah, the "Advanced" mode is a new one - normal maps aren't implemented in that yet for 901 Indie. The "Advanced OpenGL" mode he mentions there has been renamed "Default" for 901.
If you download it with explorer it automatic name it with the extension .zip Rename it to .mzp and then drag and drop in your viewport of max. Please check the Xoliul thread if you have more problems.
I helped you rename the thread, and moved it to the critique section. I did a similar project as a student and found it really rewarding. Keep going, it's a great way to learn anatomy!
Is there any user preference map for max like there is in maya? If so, make a backup and delete it (or just rename). This should force the program to revert to default, this might solve your issue?